Hi all! You may know me as a prolific commenter on HarvardFML; this is my new and improved means of doling out relationship advice! Got a question you want to ask, or a situation you want thoughts and advice on? Email me at somedude.harvardfml@gmail.com, and watch this space for my answer! Today, a Valentine’s Day Special, featuring advice for the single and advice for the taken!

The Oatmeal's Valentine's Day Comic - click above to read the whole thing.

I don’t know what to get my boyfriend/girlfriend for Valentine’s Day. Help!

It’s perfectly okay to stick to the classics – if you’re shopping for a girl, flowers, chocolates, or jewelry are all highly acceptable. Just about anything from Lush works. And remember: you live so close to Burdick, it would be a crime to buy her Godiva. Don’t be afraid to be a little spicy, either (for instance: I’m getting my girlfriend a Snuggie and a copy of the book The Snuggie Sutra). Just a Hallmark card is a cop-out; but just a nice handwritten card is lovely. A nice dinner out works perfectly for both sexes (if you go to Upstairs on the Square on Valentine’s Day you might see me there), but reserve ASAP since it’s a popular night to eat out. Gifts for guys are trickier, because guys typically don’t get into Valentine’s Day as much; when in doubt, just a card is fine. Something token but masculine would work well: for instance, if he’s a snappy dresser and has shirts with French cuffs, get him a pair of cufflinks. Guys often like practical gifts, but a pantygram is cute, too. Read the rest of this entry »

You could have been this guy

In the wake of the tragedy in Haiti, Roses for Haiti is using the opportunity to make Valentine’s Day (which could be totes depressing), a means of helping out.

You can order roses here where they will be delivered with a personalized note anonymously to your chosen recipient(s) on Valentine’s Day. All proceeds will go to relief efforts in Haiti.

This project is sponsored by: The Seneca, Harvard Project for Sustainable Development, Harvard College Global Health & AIDS Coalition, The Pleiades Society, South Asian Mens Collective, and Kappa Kappa Gamma.

HAPA Candygrams & Lollipops:

HAPA, the Half Asian People’s Association, is also jumping on the Valentine’s Day gift bandwagon with candygrams and lollipops. The project’s website writes:

“Each candygram is $2 and includes one lollipop decorated with ribbon and a message. Additional lollipops may be added to make a lollipop bouquet for $1 each. Candygrams will be delivered between Saturday February 13th and Sunday February 14th. Online orders require that we coordinate a payment pickup place and time.”

You can order a candygram or lollipop (or both, OR MULTIPLE) either with your name attached or anonymously here.